In the Wake of Thor Heyerdahl - Westbound

Casablanca, Morocco - Fortaleza, Brazil

Follow in the footsteps of famous Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, as you join us for an epic and exotic cruise expedition across the Atlantic Ocean.
From Casablanca, Morocco, we embark on our 17-day crossing as we head out towards the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, before venturing into open water to the Brazilian rainforest - the perfect voyage to discover your inner explorer.

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer. He did several expeditions to demonstrate that ancient people could have made long sea voyages, creating contacts between separate cultures. The most famous was the Kon-Tiki expedition. On the RA II expedition he sailed on a vessel made of Papyrus from Morocco to Barbados, demonstrating that mariners could have done trans-Atlantic voyages by sailing with the Canary Current.

Steady winds

Sailing in Heyerdahl's wake, we start in the "white city" Casablanca, heading for our first stop, Agadir. This is a city where sandy beaches meet Moroccan street life. Heading west into the Atlantic, we stop at the Spanish island of Lanzarote, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with an extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones. Next, we spend a couple of days on open sea before arriving in Cape Verde, a windsurfer's paradise with its steady winds. Here you can enjoy kilometres of beaches and hot sand under your feet, before our journey continues with a five-day crossing to America.

Oceans of time

This stretch gives you the opportunity to participate in lectures and a range of activities on board. There’s time to slow down and experience the sense of peace that an ocean cruise brings with it. There’s just you, the ocean - and of course your fellow travellers, some of whom you’ll certainly get to know better.

Into the rainforest

Reaching the South American continent, we make soft landing in Belem, Brazil, with its cafés, bars and mango tree parks. Belem is also a nice starting point for excursions into the surrounding wilderness. We then sail down the Brazilian coast for a few more days, until we reaching our final destination, Fortaleza.

Your holiday price includes:

Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis

Wind- and water-resistant jacket

Landings and activities on board and ashore

Professional English-speaking Expedition Team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities

The itinerary

Trail the history of piracy and explore the rainforest ecology on a multi-continent expedition across the Atlantic.

23 september 2017

Departs From Casablanca, Marocko

Dag 1

Photo: saiko3p / ShutterstockPhoto

Den vita staden

Location: Casablanca, Marocko

Casablanca was an old pirate lair back in the days, but today it is an exotic mix of old and new. We recommend you explore the city before departure. Stay on deck as we sail out from the “White City” to enjoy the view of the town and the harbour life with small, open and colourful wooden boats next to fishing vessels and huge ocean liners. See the famous landmark, the Hassan II Mosque in the sunset before you go to your first dinner on board MS Midnatsol.

Dag 2

Photo: Ribiere / ShutterstockPhoto

Marockanskt gatuliv

Location: Agadir, Marocko

When we arrive in Agadir we recommend you spend some hours on the beach or walk 200 meters into the city: Suddenly you are in the middle of Moroccan street life. The city was destroyed in an earthquake back in 1960, and the old Kasbah (citadel) no longer has its crenellated ramparts.

Nevertheless, this elevated site has a complete view of the bay, the port and the new town and is an enchanting sight at sundown. Slightly to the south of the city center, the new Medina is a place to be discovered. It was reconstructed from the 1990s onwards by Italian architect Coco Polizzi. It is an original and bold success, where the Moroccan soul still survives. The jewellery souk and the Moorish café are more than worth the detour.

Dag 3

Photo: Tomasz Czajkowski / ShutterstockPhoto

Artlantens Venedig

Location: Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spanien

A UNESCO biosphere reserve, Lanzarote is an intriguing island with an extraordinary geology of 300 volcanic cones. Explore the city, rest under the palm trees at the beaches or visit the Lagoon in the centre of Arrecife.

With its small white houses and the little colourful fishing boats it is called the “Venice of the Atlantic”. If you are interested in Modern Art the International Museum of Modern Art in the old military fortress “Castillo de San José” is a must.

Dag 4-5

Photo: Samuel Borges Photography / ShutterstockPhoto

Med Kanarieströmmen mot Kap Verde

Location: North Atlantic Gyre

During the next two days we will sail with the Canary Current on our way to Cape Verde. The current is part of the North Atlantic Gyre. This is where the deep, cold and nutrient-rich water meets more shallow and warm waters, making this part of the ocean a remarkable fishing ground that is also teeming with marine mammals and sea birds.

Enjoy life on deck or join the expedition team for interesting lectures on the Cape Verde Islands, our next destination.

Dag 6

Photo: Frank Bach / ShutterstockPhoto

Kreolsk kultur

Location: Mindelo, Kap Verde

Mindelo is a very busy town and full of life. The inhabitants of the Cape Verde evolved their own Creole culture and language influenced by people from Europe, Africa and South America. Do not miss the famous market place in Mindelo and submerge into the active life of a totally different culture. The old town is also an interesting experience and windsurfers will love the beaches here.

Dag 7

Photo: Samuel Borges Photography / ShutterstockPhoto

Koloniernas charm

Location: Praia, Kap Verde

Praia is the capital of Cape Verde. Not far from Praia you find the tiny Cidade da Ribeira Grande de Santiago (Cidade Velha) the former capital of Santiago. The Portuguese founded it in 1461. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an old fortress, “Fortaleza Real de Sao Felipe”, the extraordinary restored “Rua Banana” and the oldest colonial church in the region. Enjoy a day of snorkelling or take a walk along the beach to experience the hectic life here.

Välsignat med naturlig skönhet

Location: Segling längs den brasilianska kusten

Join the expedition team for more lectures or spend the day on deck relaxing.

As we continue cruising south the ship will be accompanied by sea birds like Boobies and Frigate birds. But also tropical land birds like to get a ride on the ship as we are sailing quite near to the Brazilian coast.

Dag 17

Photo: Alessio Moiola / ShutterstockPhoto

Farväl, Fortaleza!

Location: Fortaleza, Brasilien

As we arrive in Fortaleza, it is time to say goodbye after a fantastic two week expedition. You can also continue the adventure with us, going even further south to Uruguay.